Fuel Efficiency Tips for Nissan Navara 2018 Owners

Owning a 2018 Nissan Navara comes with many perks. Rugged versatility, impressive towing capacity, and a solid engine under the hood. But if you’ve noticed your fuel gauge dipping faster than you’d like, you’re not alone. Fuel efficiency isn’t just about saving money; it also impacts long-term engine health and your environmental footprint. The good news? A few smart adjustments can make a significant difference in how far your Navara takes you on a full tank.

Your driving style plays a huge role in fuel consumption. Rapid acceleration, sudden braking, and excessive idling can all contribute to more frequent trips to the fuel pump.

• Keep it smooth – Gentle acceleration and gradual braking help optimize fuel usage. The Navara’s turbo diesel engine responds well to steady inputs rather than abrupt commands.
• Maintain a steady speed – Using cruise control on highways, where conditions permit, can prevent unnecessary fuel spikes caused by constant acceleration and deceleration.
• Avoid excessive idling – Modern diesel engines are optimized for fuel efficiency, but idling for too long still wastes fuel. If you anticipate a delay, like at a railway crossing or while waiting for someone, switch off the engine.
• Use the right gear – For manual transmission models, shifting up early and driving in higher gears at lower RPMs can help reduce unnecessary fuel burn.

A friend of mine who has owned his Navara for years swears that simply changing his driving habits helped him get an extra 50-100 km per tank. Small changes add up big time.

Ignoring basic maintenance requirements is a surefire way to see your fuel economy plummet. Even something as simple as a neglected air filter can force your engine to work harder, using up more diesel than necessary.

• Check your tire pressure – Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to expend more energy. Make a habit of checking tire pressure at least once a month and keeping it at the recommended PSI.
• Change engine oil regularly – Clean oil reduces engine friction and improves efficiency. Always use the oil grade recommended in your owner’s manual for optimal performance.
• Replace air and fuel filters – Clogged filters can make your engine struggle for air or fuel, reducing efficiency. Swapping them out at scheduled intervals ensures smooth operation.
• Keep an eye on the fuel injectors – Dirty or malfunctioning fuel injectors can disrupt the fuel-air mix, leading to poor combustion and higher diesel consumption. Using quality fuel and occasional injector cleaner additives can help keep them in shape.

A seasoned mechanic I know told me he once worked on a Navara that was barely reaching 500 km per tank. After simply replacing the air filter and cleaning the fuel injectors, the difference was night and day. The owner immediately noticed better mileage and smoother performance.

It’s tempting to kit out a Navara with aftermarket accessories, but these mods can affect fuel economy due to increased wind resistance and weight.

• Ditch unnecessary roof racks – Unless you’re actively using them, roof racks and rooftop cargo boxes create drag, making the engine work harder at highway speeds.
• Keep windows closed at high speeds – Rolling down the windows at higher speeds can create drag, increasing fuel consumption. Use air conditioning at moderate levels instead.
• Lighten your load – If you’re carrying excess weight in the form of tools, gear, or unnecessary add-ons, your Navara needs extra power to move. Clearing out non-essential items can make a meaningful difference over time.

I once took a road trip with my Navara fully loaded with camping gear and extra supplies strapped to the roof. My fuel efficiency plummeted compared to a normal drive. On the return trip, with fewer supplies and no roof cargo, I immediately saw an improvement. It was a stark reminder that even minor aerodynamic changes can hit your wallet.

The type of diesel you use matters. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option at the pump, quality fuel can improve combustion and keep your engine running more efficiently.

• Opt for high-quality diesel – Some brands offer premium diesel with additional detergents that help keep the fuel system clean and reduce injector buildup.
• Use additives wisely – Diesel additives can assist with cleaning injectors, improving cetane numbers, and reducing carbon buildup. However, they should be chosen carefully. Look for ones specifically recommended for common rail diesel engines like the Navara’s YD25 engine.
• Watch out for contaminated fuel – Poor-quality or contaminated fuel can lead to issues like clogged injectors and excessive smoke. Stick to reputable service stations to minimize the risk.

A fellow Navara owner once told me he only filled up at big-brand stations after experiencing fuel contamination issues from a small, off-road station. That one bad batch led to injector problems that cost him more to fix than what he “saved” going for cheaper diesel. Lesson learned.

Improving your Navara’s fuel efficiency isn’t just about one magic fix. It’s a combination of smart driving, regular maintenance, mindful modifications, and quality fuel choices. While some of these changes may seem minor, together they can lead to noticeable savings over time.

Keeping more money in your pocket and driving longer distances on a single tank makes every journey more enjoyable. Have you tried any of these tips? If you’ve discovered additional tricks for maximizing fuel economy in your Navara, share them in the comments! Let’s help each other get the most out of every drop of diesel.